The Montrose Center for Arts is proud to display artwork from a wide range of people with different social and ethnic backgrounds. Let these talented artists share their vision in Pride 2026. This show features the artwork by the LGBTQ+ community and Allies on the Western Slope.
Our sponsors for the event are Lynn Whipple with The Mortgage Link, Jack the Clipper and Hot Tubs of Montrose.
Lynn Whipple, Branch Manager for The Mortgage Link, has over 35 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She is deeply committed to providing exceptional customer service and takes pride in guiding her clients through every step of the home financing process. With a strong foundation of knowledge, resources, and industry support, Lynn ensures her clients receive personalized solutions and clear communication. She understands that purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments people make, and in today’s market, it can feel increasingly complex. Her goal is to empower clients with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions.
Kelly Petschi has owned Jack the Clipper for almost 8 years and has been cutting hair for almost 38 years. Petschi says, “As a small business owner, I appreciate the opportunity to support other small organizations and nonprofits that promote events serving our entire community.”
Hot Tubs of Montrose has been serving the hot tub industry since 1986, with experience in everything from manufacturing and service to installation and retail. Owner Colin Nelson says, “We believe buying a hot tub should be exciting, not overwhelming. Our team provides honest guidance, real answers, and a no-pressure environment to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and space.”
The judge for the exhibit is Emma Kalff. Emma’s artistic work is a distillation of her everyday life after memory, emotion, and dreams have had their way with it. She lives and works in Ridgway, Colorado. Kalff was classically trained in oil painting under American realist painter Auseklis Ozols at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. In 2018-19, Kalff traveled across the United States, working on farms and making a series of paintings inspired by the places she lived and worked. This body of work, called Finding America, was noticed in Telluride, CO, where she later had her first solo show at the Telluride Arts Headquarters Gallery in 2020. Her work was selected as part of Southwest Art magazine’s “21 Under 31: Young Artists to Collect Now”. She has also been listed as an “Artist to Watch” by Plein Air Magazine. Kalff’s paintings are in private and public collections and have been shown at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art.
The show reception is May 29 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Art Talk is June 17, 6 p.m.
Details
Cost: Free to the public
Subject: Pride 2026 Art Exhibit: What is Your Joy?
Date: May 19, 2026 – 11 am
Thru: June 26, 2026 – 5 pm
Event Sponsors: Thank you from MCA
Venu: Montrose Center for Arts
205 E. Main Street
Montrose, Colorado, 81401
info@mc4arts.com
No admission fee to visit the gallery during gallery hours, receptions and art talks!
This is another free event or class from Montrose Center for Arts. You can help us keep these free events coming by giving a donation today. Thank you if you have already given.
Call to Artists
Details for Artists
Exhibit Dates: May 19 – June 26
Art Submission Date: April 25 – May 9
Art Drop Off Date: May 16, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at MCA
Install Date: May 17
Take Down and Pickup Art From Previous Show: June 27
Reception: May 29, 5 – 7 p.m. at MCA
Requirements
- This show is open to any artist, all mediums
- All artwork is to be 42 inches maximum on the long side, including frame
- Ready to hang with wire, no sawtooth hangers
- Up to 3 entries per person
- Entry fee is $10 per entry, no refunds
- MCA retains a 30% commission on sold pieces for MCA members and 40% for non-members
- Must be original artwork and not have shown for the past year at MCA
- To register, go to the website and click on Events, then click on Pride 2026 event. Pay your entry fee, then fill in the entry form and submit a photo(s) of your work
- The Gallery Team reserves the right to jury submitted art for content and space limitations
Prizes
- Theme Award
- Judge’s Selection Award
- People’s Choice Award
Submission period April 25th – May 9th:
